Tuscan School, early 15th century

Agosti family, Milan;
With Galleria Pesaro, Milan, 1937.

Milan, Galleria Pesaro, The Agosti and Mendoza Collections, 19 – 29 January 1937, no. 36.

G. Botta, The Agosti and Mendoza Collections, exh. cat., Milan 1936, p. 7, cat. no. 36, reproduced fig. IV (as Spinello Aretino);
S. Weppelmann, Spinello Aretino e la Pittura del Trecento in Toscana, Florence 2003, p. 354, no. A157 (as Tuscan 15th century).

The panel is flat and is composed of one vertical plank which has split. There are a pair of horizontal bars supporting and strengthening the panel, at the top and bottom. The panel is fixed with butterfly joints. There is some old evidence of previous woodworm. The paint surface is slightly unclean and the varnish is slightly discoloured. The red ground is coming through the gold in many areas in the background. Ultra violet inspection reveals an uneven varnish and minor restoration in the sky. There is some minor localised restoration in the Madonna's cloak, in particular in an area around her knees and some strengthening in her sleeve. Furthermore there is some strengthening to the outline of her face. There are some areas of restoration to the left of the Madonna and in the masonry around her halo. There is an older campaign of localised restoration throughout the Archangel's cloak. The work is offered in a simple carved, gilt wood frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."